Where in world can you in one day be plunging into one of two oceans, hiking up a mountain, sitting on a wine farm tasting world class wines, having moonlight sundowners on a mountain top, patting a lion cub or staring an elephant bull in the eye? The answer is South Africa and particularly, Cape Town, voted by the New York Times and the British Guardian newspaper as the top holiday destination for 2014.

One of the most distinguishing things about South Africa is its breathtaking amount of diversity, both in terms of its culture and in terms of its physical environment. Few other countries can claim to be the natural habitat of such a wide range of animals, from hippos to dolphins and from zebras to penguins.

When you’re there, you can explore many different dramatic landscapes, from the Kalahari Desert to Kruger National Park’s wildlife-stalked savannah, to the iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point’s enchanting beaches. KwaZulu-Natal alone is home to five distinct ecosystems and lush wetlands.

Since the end of Apartheid, South Africa has strongly embraced its unique multicultural character, which is now integral to its national identity. Its status as a “rainbow nation” is especially clear to those traversing the urban centers of Cape Town and Durban.

South Africa's evolution to democracy has seen the implementation of a new constitution, new educational policies, new economic priorities, new health challenges and a reintroduction of South Africa to the world stage. It is a nation experiencing an incredible amount of growth, being the continent’s second largest economy (and 28th in the world).

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Accommodation

As a participant on an Arcadia program, you are guaranteed accommodation. Our priority is to provide a safe, clean, cost-effective and convenient place for you to live, while offering you every opportunity to explore the local culture and community.